Protean eGov Technologies Limited has announced the acquisition of a 4.95% equity stake in NSDL Payments Bank Limited for approximately ₹30.2 crore. This strategic investment, approved by the Protean Board, is aimed at fostering a long-term alignment with NSDL Payments Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Securities Depository Limited. The acquisition is expected to create significant synergies between the two institutions, leveraging Protean's expertise in identity, KYC, authentication, and consent management with NSDL Payments Bank's digital-first approach to banking services, particularly for underserved populations. The partnership will enable co-creation and piloting of future-ready digital banking technologies on a secure and compliant platform. Protean's nationwide assisted distribution network will also complement NSDL Payments Bank's reach, extending services like MSME credit and pension solutions to a wider audience. The conference call transcript details discussions around the strategic rationale, potential revenue impact, and the integration of AI and advanced data analytics into the digital stack. Management confirmed that the acquisition is funded through internal accruals and that the investment is part of ongoing operational strategies rather than requiring additional hiring. The company views this as a crucial step in bringing digital-first banks closer to digital public infrastructure, enhancing financial inclusion and scale.